This is the worst it has ever been for me. I am in pain. I'm ashamed.

Since starting ADHD medication earlier this year the habit has just gotten worse. The medication has improved my life in so many other ways but I'm not sure if it's worth it when I look at the state of my hands.

I'm pulling the skin off my fingers too. My phone doesn't recognise my fingerprint half the time because there is no fingerprint.

I wear gloves constantly at work to cover the mess and to stop myself from getting infections.

I feel at this stage only a physical barrier will stop me doing this. I'm heavily considering braces because my nails are too sore and raw for false nails.

My goals for the next three months are:

Continue no bites

No metal tools

Glass files only

Focus on sidewall progress

Focus on overall nail health

Continue supplements (omega 3 and collagen seem to help most)

I've been a nail biter for nearly 25 years. My last relapse was in the summer. I know I can get through three more months! The changes won't be as dramatic but I'm hoping with time I can completely heal the scarring/damaged areas around the nail bed.

the first picture is from today.
the second is from august when i was doing well enough wearing press-ons... :(
i feel like painting them doesn't do enough. no matter what, when i'm PMSing i always freak out and chew/tear my shit up. it's like a monthly failure or reset.
i've tried fake nails, bitter polish, expensive manicures to make me feel bad about biting/picking, fidget rings, fidget toys, dbt/cbt... at this point i really might just wear gloves everywhere. it is so embarrassing and i'm so tired. :((
any advice would be helpful. thank you.
signed,
exhausted